Sunday, December 20, 2009

Merry Christmas

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What a wonder these weeks of Christmas preparation have been.  I have enjoyed decorating my home so much- sharing it with all of you and with my ‘face-to-face’ friends and family.

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During church this morning, I heard a wonderful sermon from our bishop suffragan. He said something that took my breath away.

‘Jesus comes to comfort the afflicted and

afflict the comfortable.’

That is chiseled in the stone of my memory bank.

It is time to embrace the uncomfortable, I think. This is not a punitive message , but rather the message I tried to convey everyday , with love and determination, to my AP students:

Snap out of it!”

I have had my fair share of the comfort that usually leads to complacency, spiritually and otherwise.

The simplicity of this design for living makes me smile.

Let us all get uncomfortable!

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Our early Christmas luncheon Sunday was a success.  It was fun seeing my nephew get thirds of ham.  My father said he may need to put in a hog farm. 

After he finished his pecan pie ,he said he needed to ‘go get his shot’, as is his routine.

We didn’t sit at my set table. We all sat together in the den with football playing in the background.  I sent lots of leftovers home with my brother and nephew. Comfort.

I think this idea of comfort becomes real when I am more focused on the comfort of others than myself.

We have those memories from our childhood don’t we?

A hug, an explanation, being tucked in, a hand on your forehead when you aren’t feeling well-

Merry Christmas everyone!

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9 comments:

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello Laura...

I'm in deep thought right now...I enjoyed reading your message! I think it's so true...when we become comfortable, we often become complacent! Never a good place to be! I have often thought of the mother bird who begins to pluck out the comfortable down feathers in her nest...so those babies will want to get out and learn to fly!

Well my friend, great words for thought! I also enjoyed seeing all of your beautiful mercury glass ornaments!!! I'm so glad that you came by for a visit today! I really enjoyed your sweet note, my friend! Just in case I don't get back by before Christmas...just wanted to send my very best wishes and blessings to you and your family for a wonderful Christmas!!!

Chari @Happy To Design

Theresa said...

WOW, what a message! Snaps you right up, doesn't it? It seems when I feel like "All is well" something happens to let me know all really isn't well:) I never want to be so "comfortable" that I miss out on blessings that I might otherwise see. Sometimes being comfortable makes you oblivious to the afflicted. Thank you dear Laura for a blessing at 6:00 AM on Monday morning! You are such a sweet friend!

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Very sweet post, Laura! Merry Christmas. Linda

bj said...

I love this post...
Merry Christmas.

Marigene said...

Wonderful post, Laura! Cute ornaments, too.

Lee said...

Laura,

Our Pastor said something that stirred me as well Sunday... it is still piercing my heart...and I might verbalize it in a post, but I dare say it might not be popular...it is in reference to the Christmas story and the Holocaust of children from 1 to 2 years of age that were murdered at the hand of Herod, to stop our Saviour from entering the world... the opposition and violent side of Christmas so to speak,the part we leave out of our imagery of Christmas... if he gives me a way to post it I will be obedient, popular or not. This post was excellent and bold and from the heart. I love the truth...don't you?... anything else is useless information.

Merry Christmas Laura, it has been fun to see how beautifully and graciously you celebrate in your heart and home this blessed season! You are truly a multi faceted diamond in His signet ring which reflects His light.
Lee

Kim said...

What a beautiful sentiment Laura. I will remember that one for sure! Thanks for sharing. Your home looks lovely as always. Merry Christmas.
Kim

Debra@CommonGround said...

Amazing how you were able to get that wonderful "zinger" across all hidden in the lovely Christmas ornaments! Comfort is wonderful, but it can be a blindfold to all that we COULD be doing. You are an amazing woman...so glad to call you my "friend"! You have a level of wisdom that is a huge blessing to me. I'm sure your students adored you! We just have to figure out a way to do that "cookie eating", but I'll have to brush up on my "Vanna" routine!!
Hugs and Love, Dear Laura.
Have a wonderful Christmas. We need to talk after Christmas to catch up!
Debra

Sarah said...

Thanks for sharing these thoughtful words and the stunning ornaments.
Happy Holidays! ~ Sarah

 

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